Automotive vehicle sensing system for selective air bag deployment

• US 6,520,537 B2
• Filed: 06/25/2001
• Issued: 02/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Thomas, Scott David, Wolanin, Michael John
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fleming, Faye M.
• Application Number:
  US09/887,961
• Publication Number:
  US 20020195806A1
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 280/735, 280/736, 280/737, 280/740, 280/741
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays

Abstract

An internal vehicle sensing system for assisting in controlling deployment of an air bag is disclosed. The sensing system includes at least one sensor that forms a sensor array designed to detect a portion of an individual. The sensing system sends signals to the air bag system based upon objects detected and signals, commands or allows full deployment, partial deployment, or suppression of deployment of an air bag.

Claims

1. A vehicle sensing system for assisting in the selective deployment of an air bag near a seat, said seat including a buttocks supporting portion, a torso supporting portion and a head supporting portion, said vehicle sensing system comprising:

a first sensor placed adjacent to a footwell for detecting the lower extremities of an individual sitting in an upright position in said seat, said footwell located in front of and at least partially below said buttocks supporting portion of said seat;

a second sensor placed adjacent said head supporting portion of said seat for detecting the bust of said individual sitting in an upright position, said first and second sensors in communication with an air bag system including said air bag, said first and second sensors capable of sending signals to said air bag system depending on whether said first and second sensors detect objects, said signals assisting in controlling the degree of any deployment of said air bag;

wherein at least one of said first and second sensors rotates and emits a signal to form a sensor array having at least a partial circular shape.

2. A vehicle sensing system for assisting in the selective deployment of an air bag near a seat, said seat including a buttocks supporting portion, a torso supporting portion and a head supporting portion, said vehicle sensing system comprising:

a first sensor placed adjacent to a footwell for detecting the lower extremities of an individual sitting in an upright position in said seat, said footwell located in front of and at least partially below said buttocks supporting portion of said seat;

a second sensor placed adjacent said head supporting portion of said seat for detecting the bust of said individual sitting in an upright position, said first and second sensors in communication with an air bag system including said air bag, said first and second sensors capable of sending signals to said air bag system depending on whether said first and second sensors detect objects, said signals assisting in controlling the degree of any deployment of said air bag; and

a controller having air bag deployment logic where in response to adjustments of said seat at least one of said first and second sensors adjusts its field of view and said air bag deployment logic is modified.

3. A vehicle sensing system for assisting in the selective deployment of an air bag near a seat, said seat including a buttocks supporting portion, a torso supporting portion and a head supporting portion, said vehicle sensing system comprising:

a sensor placed adjacent one of at least said head supporting portion and said torso supporting portion of said seat for detecting respectively a bust and a torso of an adult sitting in an upright position, said sensor in communication with an air bag system including said air bag, said sensor capable of sending a signal to said air bag system depending on whether said sensor detects objects, said signal assisting in controlling the degree of any deployment of said air bag;

wherein said sensor extends laterally across a substantial portion of a headrest of said head supporting portion of said seat, said sensor being curved to detect lower further laterally away from a center of said headrest.

4. A vehicle sensing system for assisting in the selective deployment of an air bag near a seat, said seat including a buttocks supporting portion, a torso supporting portion and a head supporting portion, said vehicle sensing system comprising:

a sensor placed adjacent one of at least said head supporting portion and said torso supporting portion of said seat for detecting respectively a bust and a torso of an adult sitting in an upright position, said sensor in communication with an air bag system including said air bag, said sensor capable of sending a signal to said air bag system depending on whether said sensor detects objects, said signal assisting in controlling the degree of any deployment of said air bag;

wherein said sensor rotates and emits a signal to form a sensor array having at least a partial circular shape.

5. A vehicle sensing system for assisting in the selective deployment of an air bag near a seat, said seat including a buttocks supporting portion, a torso supporting portion and a head supporting portion, said vehicle sensing system comprising:

a sensor placed adjacent one of at least said head supporting portion and said torso supporting portion of said seat for detecting respectively a bust and a torso of an adult sitting in an upright position, said sensor in communication with an air bag system including said air bag, said sensor capable of sending a signal to said air bag system depending on whether said sensor detects objects, said signal assisting in controlling the degree of any deployment of said air bag; and

a controller having air bag deployment logic where in response to adjustments of said seat said sensor adjusts its field of view and said air bag deployment logic is modified.